Photoshop Tip of the Week: Removing Dark Circles

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My 1st Photoshop tip for my new blog: Removing Dark Circles

When I first started with Photoshop, I tried to remove shadows under my girl’s eyes using the healing brush. I occasionally still use this tool on blemishes on a new layer, but I have found more effective ways to work on under eye/deep-set eyes. Here are 3 different ways I accomplish reducing shadows under deep-set eyes.

FYI, the first way is my ALL TIME FAVORITE. So I will add a lot more detail about it than the second and third ways.

1. Clone tool: Select the clone tool. In the main bar, select a soft round airbrush about the size/diameter of the problem area. Then select Mode & Lighten and set the opacity between 15-25% (I typically use 20%). Make sure “sample all layers” is checked. Then create a new blank layer. Since you selected sample all layers, it will sample the bottom one. Now ALT/opt CLICK on an area of good clear skin. Then you literally paint the area where the deep-set eye circle was. And it will fade as you paint. If the effect is too much, you can reduce the opacity in the layers palette.

2. Dodge tool: The next way to get rid of “raccoon eyes” is the dodge tool. Once the tool is selected, duplicate the background layer (so that you can change the opacity later). Then set the Range to Shadows and the Exposure to approximately 10%. Then slowly rub over the darkened under eye shadows. This will not work as well on all skin tones. If the effect is too much, reduce the exposure or reduce the opacity in the layers palette.

3. Patch tool: Work on a duplicate layer – make sure the tool is set to “Source.” Make a circle/outline of the area that you need to be corrected. Be careful to trace good skin only (that surrounds the darker under eye shadow). Then drag to an area of good skin and let go. Chances are you will need to reduce the opacity of the duplicate layer until this looks more natural.

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  1. #NAME? on June 1, 2007 at 10:05 am

    Excellent! Thanks a TON!

  2. Anonymous on June 5, 2007 at 7:51 pm

    Awesome tip thanks so much for sharing!! nATALIE

  3. Joe on August 18, 2009 at 11:57 pm

    You have a great website here, thanks for sharing

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